The Geauga Arts Network Group (GANG) Features Marc Yanko, Artistic Blacksmith and Metal Sculptor at their July Meeting on July 17

The Geauga Arts Network Group (GANG) is pleased to present artistic blacksmith Marc Yanko to its meeting on July 17th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Heinen’s Café, 402 Center St. in Chardon. This educational event is free and open to the public. No reservations are necessary.

A long-time Geauga resident, Yanko has been creating art from metal for over thirty years, but he has worked with metals much longer, having worked with, and learned from, his machinist father since the age of seven.His interest has expanded over the years to include fabrication and forging and he has been an active blacksmith for over 40 years. His work ranges from the highly functional and utilitarian to purely abstract artistic forms.

Yanko’s artistic creations include knives, tomahawks, architectural work, metal sculpture, and furniture created from recycled materials. He draws much of his inspiration from nature and his own imagination, but he feels he has learned much from the great masters of blacksmith art.

His work has been displayed at numerous area arts events, including the Waterloo Arts Events and the Nature Arts Festival. He has also demonstrated and taught at many venues, including Touchstone Center for Crafts, Burton Century Village, SOFA Quad State Roundup, and other conferences. He is owner and operator of Creek Bottom Forge in Chardon, Ohio, and is also a member and past president of the WRABA (Western Reserve Artist Blacksmiths Association).

The Geauga Arts Network Group is an ad hoc group whose mission is to promote communication, collaboration, and cooperation across artistic disciplines for artists living and/or working in Geauga County. For further information, contact Nicky Bucur at 216-240-1501.